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Published: 28 October 2016

Consumption of hard coal increased by 19 per cent in January to September

According to Statistics Finland's preliminary data, the consumption of hard coal increased by 19 per cent in January to September 2016 compared with the corresponding period of last year. The consumption of hard coal as a fuel in the generation of electricity and heat amounted to two million tonnes, corresponding to 50 petajoules in energy content. Examined in the longer term, the consumption of hard coal has, however, clearly decreased. Compared to the average for January to September in the 2000s, the consumption of hard coal was now 37 per cent lower.

Consumption of hard coal, 1,000 tonnes

The data for year 2016 is preliminary.

In the third quarter, 39 per cent more hard coal was consumed than in the same period last year. The relative growth in the consumption of hard coal has this year been particularly big in the summer months. Last year, a record low amount of hard coal was consumed, due to which the relative growth has been fairly big this year.

Most of the hard coal consumed in Finland is used in combined heat and power production. The use of hard coal in separate production of electricity has clearly diminished in recent years because condensate power plants have been removed from use.

Hard coal consumption in Finland typically fluctuates seasonally. Some of the fluctuation is explained by the natural variation in the need for electricity and heat between the summer and winter seasons. The difference between statistical reference years is explained by variations in the demand for heating energy and the Nordic water situation, which particularly influences the electricity exchange price and thus the demand for separate production of electricity as well. Therefore, long-term consumption development cannot be deducted from the change in hard coal consumption in successive years.

At the end of September 2016, stocks of hard coal totalled 2.6 million tonnes, or 28 per cent lower than one year earlier.

Source: Consumption of hard coal, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Ville Maljanen 029 551 2691, energia@stat.fi

Director in charge: Ville Vertanen

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Appendix tables

• Appendix table 1. Consumption of hard coal (28.10.2016)
• Appendix table 2. Hard coal stocks, month-end (28.10.2016)

Revisions in these statistics

• Revisions in these statistics (28.10.2016)

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Updated 28.10.2016